Oncologic essentials in benign cardiac masses (approach and follow-up)

Cardiac tumors are not common neoplasms and their signs and symptoms are mostly dependent on the site of involvement and to a lesser degree on the pathology of the tumor. Various imaging techniques facilitate diagnosis of these tumors, though cardiac biopsy remains the gold standard diagnostic approach. Benign cardiac tumors are far more prevalent than their malignant counterparts. Myxomas are considered the most common type. Several less frequent benign masses may also occur including fibroelastoma and lipoma. Some rare benign tumors like rhabdomyoma are more prevalent in children. In this chapter, we are going to review benign neoplasms of the heart focusing on their clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment and delineate their oncologic properties and appropriate follow-up.